SA KAEO, Thailand – June 7, 2025 — Thailand has issued a stern warning to Cambodia, demanding the immediate withdrawal of its troops from a disputed border zone where a deadly clash took place on May 28. The Thai government has pledged to defend its sovereignty “by all available means” following failed de-escalation talks between the two nations’ defence ministers.

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Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking a day after meeting Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha in Sa Kaeo province, expressed regret that what he described as “constructive proposals” were rejected outright by Cambodia.

Phumtham proposed a mutual pullback of troops to pre-clash positions near the Trimuk Pavilion to reduce tensions. However, Gen. Tea Seiha reiterated Cambodia’s firm position that the contested land is Cambodian territory, asserting that the area has long been under Phnom Penh’s control.

“Cambodia cannot and will not retreat from this position,” Gen. Tea told Cambodian media after the talks.

In response to what Thailand sees as a hardening of Cambodia’s military posture, Phumtham announced that Thai security forces would bolster their own presence at the border. “We have no choice but to enhance our own security measures and deploy reinforcements,” he said.

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He reaffirmed that Thailand would not tolerate any encroachment on its land and would defend its territorial integrity if necessary. “I want to make it absolutely clear that I do not condone any actions that encroach upon Thailand’s sovereignty,” Phumtham declared.

The Thai government continues to reject the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in this matter, maintaining a position held since 1960. Instead, Bangkok has called for the dispute to be resolved through bilateral negotiations under the framework of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, using the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) as the mechanism for dialogue.

Thailand’s proposal included a call for both countries to return to military positions held in 2024, in an effort to avoid further escalation. While Cambodia has not agreed to the proposal, Thai officials say they remain committed to seeking a diplomatic resolution, but will act decisively to protect their national interests.

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Phumtham concluded his statement by offering encouragement to Thai soldiers stationed in the disputed area and reassured residents near the border that their safety remains a top priority.

-Thailand News (TN)